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Cider is an ever-growing industry in the US, and outlining the differences between the sea of alcoholic products is important. You probably have noticed a distinction of cider lately called heritage ciders. Do you know what that is? It might have you scratching your head. Luckily, USACM, and brands like Eden Cider, have helped educate and create products that fit the bill.
Heritage ciders are, by the USACM’s definition, ciders that “are made primarily from multi-use or cider-specific bittersweet/bittersharp apples, heirloom varieties; wild or crab apples are sometimes used for acidity/tannin balance.” Basically ciders made from apples that are cider-specific and used in areas across the world with specific production techniques. Much like wines with particular well-known flavor profiles, heritage ciders can be made from single varietals like Dabinett, Russet, Kingston Black, and so forth. Eden is one of the leaders in pushing cider history and, from our interview with Eden’s Eleanor, you will learn why.
What’s the history on heritage apples in the U.S.?
Like most of the cider story goes, heirloom or antique apple varieties were around all over the place, including the US. After prohibition most of these trees were cut down and we lost many of these historic, rich trees. From prohibition, Cider really had not bounced back until recently and the heritage apple trees are started to be grown again (sourced from countries like France or the UK). In the future, we hope to see these being grown and nurtured and the growth of these ciders will follow.
History on Eden Cider
Eleanor, Albert, and the Eden team were determined to make cider from something other than grocery store apples and bring real cider to the consumer. Although this was risky, particularly making some of the ice ciders, they wanted to use historical cider apples. This includes taking a step forward as the pioneers in the cider industry in the US when there were around 80 cideries in the country. They never plan on being a big-scale player and wanted to keep their perspective more on the wine side instead of the beer industry.
Here in sits the true essence of the heritage cider, being true to itself and starting with great product. All of the apples in the cider come from their own orchard or some of the local orchards in the area. In terms of the Eden ice ciders, they use the natural colds of the farm to freeze the apples and concentrate the sugars before they ferment. This means it takes a lot of apple to make a small bottle (over 8 lbs to make 375mL). As Eleanor states, “These cider are a niche market but can be an anytime drink.”
What are your favorite heritage apples? Why?
Stembridge Cluster – This bitterhsharp, that sounds a bit like an apple disease, is full of soft tannins, aromatic, good acidity and grows well and makes for a great single varietal. Eden is currently are looking at around five trees that are ready for this to come to fruition. This is also noted as a hard cider tree to grow, so more power to the team!
Northern Spy – This is a versatile cider that most heritage cider makers use as an apple base. It has also been noted for its bright acidity and slight sweetness. On the plus side, it can also be used for pies and they can store very well.
What makes heritage cider so special to your team?
Eleanor explains that heritage ciders are the perfect beverage to pair with food, supports their local working landscape, and brings income to the orchards which could succumb to developers if not utilized. These relationships create a win-win situation and allows the orchards to grow cider trees with varieties that they are looking for. Their website also states that heritage ciders at Eden focus on the following values: using heirloom and tannic cider varieties, pressing apples at harvest or soon there after, fermenting like wine, maturing and rejecting cheap or fast wine making tools.
Why is heritage cider making such a buzz lately?
Eleanor explained that the USACM was a big component of defining cider and this has helped establish baselines for each category. She also discusses that restaurant groups, sommeliers and other high end consumer based entities are helping push the products. This includes influencers like Jason Wilson writing up on the concept and other social media influencers bringing heritage to light.
Where does heritage cider fit into the cider market over the next few years? 5 year+?
This is an ongoing story that has developed over the past couple of years. Modern ciders have brought cider closer to the forefront and there is room for both of these beverages in the category. Since consumers are more keen to what ingredients they are putting into their body, cider makers can push these heritage cider apples to become commonplace. It likely will never be as big as modern ciders, but for the restaurants and conscience consumers, this market will continue to develop.
What’s next for Eden?
They will continue to release their heritage ciders in a can. Yes, a delicious high-end cider in a can! Eden will keep developing their line of products and growing a wider variety of apples to utilize in their blends. The team also plans to keep pushing and educating consumers to grow heritage cider!
To learn more about the brand or their particular ciders, visit them on their website,
https://www.edenciders.com/
